Trust Me, I Won’t Miss the Flowers This Time.

This is my third June in Birmingham and the first time I’ve noticed the flowers. To be honest, my first June was extremely lonely and overwhelming. Even writing that sentence feels sad and heavy… and two years have gone by. June of 2015 stretched into July and then August. It was beautiful but it was brutal and although I was living, I wasn’t alive.

(Well, technically, I was alive. But I trust that you know what I mean.)

I’m not sure how much money you’d have to pay me to re-live that summer, quite honestly. But even today as I flip through blog posts written during those months, I’m amazed at all God was doing. Under the surface and behind-the-scenes, He taught me important lessons, constantly invited me to turn to Him as both friend and provider, and showed Himself faithful at every turn.

My second June in Birmingham was full of unknowns and question marks. Everything felt up in the air and completely uncertain. I was more at home yet still restless, drawn toward a small and ordinary life but feeling prompted toward action and movement.

That summer held deep grief, abundant joy, and approximately zero answers.

I didn’t realize that might mean exchanging near-sighted lenses for a far-sighted outlook that acknowledges today’s worries but focuses on tomorrow’s promises.

Most likely, these trees bloom every June. All that money you’d have to pay me to re-live the summer of 2015? I’d bet it all that these flowers were here, blooming bright and beautiful in 2015.

I missed them then.

But I see them now.

The summers of 2015 and 2016 led to the summer of 2017. That’s how our story-lines go, of course. I’m re-learning what I learned before and it’s safe to assume He’ll teach me all over again in 2018.

But even as I continue to carry happiness and grief, as I welcome the ordinary and call it beautiful, and as I walk a road I wouldn’t have necessarily chosen… I can’t help but see one continuous thread of His faithfulness that has been with me every step of the way, on every page of the story.

And so I echo the prayer of Thomas Merton and I re-read the words I published and I rest in the promises as I stop to notice the flowers.

Speaking of home, I absolutely have to tell you about a book releasing in a few weeks! I read an advanced copy and hands-down, it’s one of the best books I’ve read in months. Here’s the review I left for Almost There on Amazon:

I highly recommend this book! I could tell you about the storyline or what you’ll find inside, but I’m sure other reviewers will do so. Here’s what I’ll say:

1. Until stumbling upon this book, I had never heard of or read anything by Bekah DiFelice. So… without knowing anything about her, here’s what I can say about her writing: The book is honest, vulnerable, and very well-written. Bekah is a wonderful story-teller. She found a beautiful balance of wisdom and humor.

2. I’m 24, single, and from Florida/Alabama. I don’t relate much to her life (stay-at-home mom of two, military wife, from Colorado/Arizona/California)… and yet I saw myself in her story. It’s incredibly relatable simply because of how she tells it.

3. Personally, I love to write in books. I’ll scribble something in the margin, underline a sentence, star a paragraph, etc. However, unless I know the author’s writing well and am certain I’ll be marking up a book all the way through, I wait. I don’t want to highlight something in chapter two and then realize at the end of the book I haven’t marked anything else. Since I didn’t know anything about Bekah, her writing, or what the book would be like, I waited. By chapter 4 I knew I would go back and re-read this book, marking and highlighting sentences in each chapter. There are so many things Bekah shares and thinks through (within the book) that I want to go back over!

If I, knowing nothing about Bekah or her story, found myself excited to re-read the book again – while only through the first few chapters – then trust me: this is a good book. I finished it, immediately shared about it on social media, and then said out loud to a friend in the room: I want to be Bekah’s friend and I want to read all of these words again because they made me think, they invited me into the story, and it was truly an enjoyable read.

I think the flowers are even prettier this year in Alabama due to all the good rain we had this spring. Nonetheless, you make a point that we often miss beautiful things on the outside when we’re feeling blue on the inside. I’m glad you’re having a better summer this year. Thanks for reminding us all to look up and look out more to notice God’s grace all around us.

Oh I live this, Kaitlyn! The title drew me in. The thing is last year I missed my flowers in the worst way. June 2015 was tough and I don’t even remember if my flowers had bloomed well, but by last summer I was ready for them, but they didn’t come. I kept wondering why. This year as I gaze out my window at my flamboyant trees I am amazed at how vibrant and beautiful they are and I’m in awe of a God who teaches me to trust Him even when I don’t see the flowers. Reminds me that it’s all according to His timing. Thanks for sharing; I’m so happy you’re seeing your flowers this year.Carlie recently posted…When You Need to Forget Who You Are

It’s so easy to miss the beauty around us when we are so focused on our problems or our work or whatever takes our attention. I try to slow down and notice the beauty each day, but I often fail. Your post is refreshing, reminding me to take time to “notice the flowers.”

This post touched my heart. I relate quite closely to missing the beauty in life (that must have been there the whole time) while we are focusing or distracted by the pain and hurt and stress surrounding us at all corners. Thank you so much for your continuing encouragement and inspiration! I pray you have a wonderfully blessed and flower filled day!